Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 gives everyone a right of access to information held by Scottish public authorities.

Glen Oaks Housing Association has been designated as a Scottish Public Authority under this Act. In Scotland, the order is cited as the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Designation of Persons as Scottish Public Authorities) Order.

The aim of the Act is to increase openness and transparency by allowing people to access information about how decisions are taken and how public services are delivered.

About Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (the Act) requires Scottish public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme which has the approval of the Scottish Information Commissioner, and publish information in accordance with that scheme.

Authorities are under a legal obligation to:

• publish the classes of information that the authority makes routinely available
• tell the public how to access the information and whether information is available free of charge or on payment

Alongside the Act, the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (the EIRs) provide a separate right of access to the environmental information that we hold. 

Model Publication Scheme

Glen Oaks Housing Association has also subscribed to the Model Publication Scheme 2018, produced and approved by the Scottish Information Commissioner. The Scheme can also be viewed in Publication Scheme Resources at the Scottish Information Commissioner website. The scheme sets out our commitment to make certain classes of information routinely available, such as policies and procedures, minutes of meetings, annual reports and financial information.

Overview- video guide

For a handy overview on Freedom of Information in Scotland, please watch this short video guide from the Scottish Information Commissioner:

Withholding Information

Under Freedom of Information legislation, information may be withheld if there is a good reason for doing so.

If we withhold information, we will let you know why. If you are unhappy with our decision, or with the way we have dealt with your request, you can ask us to review our decision.

If you do not agree with the outcome of the review, you can ask the Scottish Information Commissioner to investigate.

Records Management

Our records support decision making, document activities, provide evidence of policies, decisions and transactions, and underpin our daily work.

To ensure that records are managed properly, we aim to follow the Code of Practice on Records Management which was issued by Scottish Ministers in line with Section 61 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.